The Coton de Tulear
A small, soft, sociable companion dog from Madagascar, named after the port town of Tuléar, now Toliara.
Also written Coton de Tuléar. In Thai: โคตอง เดอ ทูเลียร์, sometimes โคตอน เด ทิวเลียร์ or โกตง เดอ ตูเลอาร์.
Where the name comes from
Coton is French for cotton, after the coat. Tuléar is the old name of Toliara, a port on the south-west coast of Madagascar, where the breed took shape. It is often called the royal dog of Madagascar. Today the FCI recognises it as a companion breed, under standard no. 283.
What they are like
Cotons are affectionate, bright and a little clownish. They like to be where their people are, which is why they suit a home rather than a kennel. Most settle well in a flat, as long as they have daily walks and company.
Size and coat
- HeightMales 26 to 28 cm, females 23 to 25 cm at the shoulder, by the breed standard.
- WeightMales 4 to 6 kg, females 3.5 to 5 kg.
- CoatLong, soft and white. Some have light champagne or grey on the ears.
- LifespanOften 14 to 16 years. A Coton is a long commitment.
A Coton in Bangkok
The coat looks warm, but a Coton lives well in the heat with a little planning.
- Walk in the cool hoursEarly morning and after sunset. Pavements hold the heat long after noon.
- Keep the house coolA Coton will find the coolest tile. Air conditioning in the hottest months helps.
- Brush down to the skinSeveral times a week, or the coat mats. More often in the rainy season.
- Groom every six to eight weeksA shorter trim is kinder in the hot season, and easier to keep clean.
Is a Coton right for you?
If you want a dog that needs little grooming or likes to be left alone, a Coton isn’t the right dog, and we’ll tell you so. If you want a companion who will follow you from room to room for many years, read on.